Steve Husemann

Mooresville Town Manager Steve Husemann has resigned amid differences with the commissioners. His departure came after a late-night, closed-door Town Board meeting at Mooresville town hall on Monday.

The Mooresville Board of Commissioners voted to appoint Assistant Town Manager Erskine Smith to fill the job temporarily, beginning Monday, Jan. 10.

In a statement Tuesday, the board said “differing philosophies” were behind the development.

It was the second time in three years that a Mooresville town manager has resigned under pressure from the board. Mr. Husemann had started work in September 2008, after the resignation of previous manager Jamie Justice.

“It was with great expectation that Mr. Husemann came to the Town as a qualified and experienced manager,” Commissioner Mitch Abraham said. “Mr. Husemann has served the town well and his professionalism and personal integrity are unquestioned. However, the Board has decided to take a different direction for the future of the town. This is not a reflection on Mr. Husemann’s abilities, but instead a difference in philosophies.”

In his resignation letter Monday, Mr. Husemann noted that the town is in good financial health. He said the town returned $3.7 million to its reserves, in a year when it had anticipated withdrawing $4 million. He also cited among his achievements “increased professionalism” in the police department and $50 million in construction projects underway that will provide “long-term improvements in the town.”

“Despite these successes it is obvious that the board is looking at a different vision,” he said in the letter. He said he would resign effective Sunday, Jan. 9, “to enable the board to proceed with their future plans.”

RELATED LINKS

Read the Mooresville Board of Commissioners’ statement announcing Mr. Husemann’s resignation. (PDF)

Read Mr. Husemann’s resignation letter to Mayor Chris Montgomery. (PDF)

Aug. 2, 2008, DavidsonNews.net, “Across the border: Mooresville hires town manager”

Jan. 5, 2011, Mooresville Tribune, “Another one gone: Mooresville’s town manager struggles continue.”

Jan. 5, 2011, Charlotte Observer, “Mooresville town manager resigns under pressure”